From Guest Blogger Tina Samuels: Turning Outdoor Nurseries on to Being Greener

Going green is more than installing compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Solar and wind power additions to the home are great. Still, you can do more.

Thanks to the innovative ideas from some plant nurseries, it is easier than ever to have an eco-friendly lawn. Native plants contribute to a healthier ecosystem. Your lawn is a small ecosystem and so are plant nurseries.

There are some problems when adding native plants to your landscaping plan. Not every flower or shrub growing near your home is actually a native.

Alien and invasive species have escaped from home gardens for many years, some have become naturalized. This makes it difficult to determine which plant is a native for the average homeowner.

Thankfully there are progressive plant nurseries that are growing native species and using green methods to help their environment…

High Country Gardens, New Mexico

High Country Gardens is an offshoot of Santa Fe Greenhouses.
Founded in 1984 by David Salman, the greenhouses focused on cultivated water wise blooming perennials and ornamental grasses native to the arid regions of the American West. These plants helped take gardens from rocks and cacti to flowering beauties full of vibrant life.

The plants sold by High Country Gardens are chosen due to their low water demands and tolerance to extreme temperatures. This hardiness has made the native plants popular in other parts of the United States.

Invasive species are not sold and the company has recommendations listed for regional gardening. Support and advice is available for all customers interested in creating a greener, planet friendly lawn.

Pierson Nurseries, Maine

Pierson Nurseries in Maine has a wonderfully green approach to their cultivation and business practices.

Their practices help keep their acreage safe from pesticide and fertilizer contamination. This nursery is open about their practices and lists their approach prominently on their website.

All of the water that is not evaporated through natural means on the property is recycled. Containment ponds are aerated by wind turbines, drip irrigation is provided to plants from the ponds instead of fresh deep well water, and the nursery tries to find natural alternatives to chemical pesticides.

Fields that are not in use have natural cover crops grown in order to prevent erosion and nutrient loss. Plant waste is used as an onsite compost and is available for customer purchase.

Going Green Nursery, Georgia

Going Green Nursery in Georgia is a family-owned, environmentally friendly company.

Their philosophy is driven by the founder’s childhood experiences farming. The greenhouses incorporate green styles of propagating plants – many are started on site. There are outdoor growing areas to give the plants the most natural start possible.

The nursery also includes a farmer’s market that is stocked with plants and vegetables grown on-site, making the market hyper-local. This lessens the impact on the environment by cutting out the pollutants from shipping in such vegetables to consumers.

By shopping for plants from nurseries with green practices consumers can help lower their impact on the environment.
Seeds can be purchased from many nurseries and often include heirloom varieties that are becoming hard to find even though their history is rich.

Including native plants can help your pocket, your lawn, and your planet.

About the Author: Tina Samuels writes on small business topics, marketing, mobile payments, social media, and David Kiger.